The G.O.O.D. Run is a Sweet Run!

Last Tuesday, March 8, 2011, I had the privilege of attending a Bloggers Conference of a RunRio Inc. organized race entitled "AACE's The G.O.O.D. Run" (Goiter, Obesity, Osteoporosis, Diabetes). Before this, I am already aware of this run because as you know, I am Diabetic.

A brief background about AACE...

AACE-Philippine Chapter

The mission of the AACE-Philippine Chapter is to empower Filipino patients to achieve optimum endocrine health through the practice of leading edge, proactive, ethical and cost-effective medicine. The AACE- Philippine Chapter is the third international chapter of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the first in Southeast Asia.

“AACE is a professional medical organization with more than 6,000 members in the United States and 91 other countries. Founded in 1991, AACE is dedicated to the optimal care of patients with endocrine problems. AACE initiatives inform the public about endocrine disorders. AACE also conducts continuing education programs for clinical endocrinologists, physicians whose advanced, specialized training enables them to be experts in the care of endocrine disease, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, growth hormone deficiency, osteoporosis, cholesterol disorders, hypertension and obesity.”

For further information, visit the AACE-PC website at http://www.aacephil.com or the AACE web site at http://www.aace.com.

So, what makes this run different? Well, besides the blood sugar check, bone mass screening, blood pressure and other medical procedures that will be conducted for free, obviously, the proponents are Doctors and not to mention, the cause is indeed very attractive to the likes of me, and to add to the excitement, it has RunRio Inc. mark!

Race Categories: 3km- Php500 / 5km- Php600 / 10km- Php600

Race kit includes: Bib Number, Singlet

Registration until March 20, check the ff stores:
•RUNNR – G/F Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (12nn – 8pm,Tel # 4031787)
•R.O.X. – Level 2 R.O.X. Bldg. Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (1pm–8pm, Tel # 8564638)
•Toby’s SM Mall of Asia – G/F Entertainment Mall, Roxas Blvd., Manila (12nn–8pm, Tel # 556-0445)
•Planet Sports Glorietta – 2F Glorietta 3, Makati City (12nn – 8pm, Tel # 8177896)
•Planet Sports Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City (12nn – 8pm, Tel# 8422886)
•Planet Sports Trinoma – 2nd level, Trinoma cor. North EDSA, Quezon City (12nn – 8pm, Tel# 9167451)
•The Athlete’s Foot Robinsons Galleria – 3F Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Pasig City (12nn – 8pm, Tel# 6363162)

I am always eager to support runs that is made for a good cause, but this one is even better! I encourage every runners to please support this run for the benefit of our future generation's awareness on Endocrine diseases and maybe someday, the eradication of Diabetes in the Philippines and in the whole world!

Oh by the way, I'll be running 10K here, and I would love to see you run on this race as well! See you on the road!

Good Vibes and Sweet Running everyone! ^_^

The Bitter-Sweet Changes in my Life

Ever so often I use to write about running in this blog, but this time, I just wanna share what's going on in my life right now.

For the past 12 years of my life as a Diabetic, I am now tenured on how to decipher if my blood sugar levels are rising high or falling low. I must admit that most of the time I don't use my blood sugar monitor because of the expensive test strip (30php for 1 strip, good for 1 testing, and you can only buy a box with 25pcs. the least) and for a student like me, it's really not practical. I'd rather spend the money on my medications.

But recently, because of the hypoglycemia attacks I had when I did my Sunday LSD's I decided to work up again with a Doctor. Yes, I haven't seen a Doctor for almost 2 years and I am the only one adjusting my insulin dose according to how I feel. I know its very dangerous and I discourage anyone from practicing it. I am just lucky I haven't got any serious complications from self-medicating.

So, I went to Makati Medical Center and ofcourse I expect that the Doctor will be so shocked about the news I spilled out to her. She immediately sent me for laboratory examinations to check if there is a major complications or anything that we have to focus on when we go through the medication process.

The laboratory took 5 vials of blood from me, which I assume is around 250cc of blood serum for the test they were going to do. The next day, I got my result...
 

The result showed a very healthy person, but I wasn't like this before. I used to have sugar and ketones in my urine. I also experienced my underwear being infested by ants in the laudry basket.

I remebered last year, I got this result when I just woke up. A fasting blood sugar of 365!

 

I was immediately rushed to the hospital. Doctors are very much worried. Everyone in the state of panic. Me, I just kept my cool. I don't feel anything strange at all so I don't worry.

 I was even doing my thesis on the hospital bed while I was confined because I have a scheduled defense on that week.

But now, everything seems to be better for my health, and recently, we just moved to a bigger, better home. I already got my own room! It's so messy so I won't post pictures of it yet. I'll make a gallery of my race bibs on the wall, just like what I saw in A Runner's Circle Store in Quirino Ave. To add to that, just before I graduate from school this March, I already have a job at Hinge Inquirer Philippines. I even got an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990AM and was featured at inquirer.net written by Ms. Fe Zamora!

 

You can find the original article HERE 

Last Wednesday, when I came back to the hospital for my check-up, my Doctor was so happy with the result of my Blood Sugar Monitoring...

 

So now, from Insulin Levemir 40-40 AM-PM shots, I am now using Humalog Mix 22-18 AM-PM shots, 

that's gonna be like half off my previous dosage! ^_^

            My blood sugar result before I hit on the pizza and drinks at ARC Kapihan last Feb 25.

I should be happy about the good things that is happening, but there's also things that is quite bothering me nowadays. There's a huge problem that I am facing at school, as a Student Leader. But knowing that I have done my best and the accusations are not true, I am confident that soon the truth will come out, and I can clear my name that I have been taking care of eversince. I also lost some friends along the way. It's very hard but I cannot do anything but accept the fact that some people come and go into our lives for a particular reason, and for whatever it is, I just trust that it's God's will to happen. I trust everything to him.

Which also reminds me, March is my running anniversary. My first year of running and taking it as my sport and now, my way to unwind and get closer to my own self. I want to celebrate it by contributing to the best of my ability to the running community. I want to get my advocacy going, to encourage more people, especially those Diabetics and others with health concerns to run and take charge of their health, and to prevent or if possible, eradicate Diabetes in the Philippines and in the whole world!

I will celebrating it by having my anniversary run on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at the Run United Leg 1. I'm planning to hit a target PR of 1:10 in the 10K category but moreover, I just wanna have fun on this event. If you see me, don't hesitate to say hi and we can also take pictures along the race! ^_^

Change is sweet, but sometimes it can also be bitter. It's just a matter on how we will embrace it and how we will react to it. Attitude plays an important part in people, especially when someone or something, moved their cheese.

Good Vibes to everyone! Sweet Running! ^_^

PDI Run and the Sweet Media Exposure

February 27, 2011 - The Philippine Daily Inquirer celebrated their 25th Anniversary by organizing a run at BHS entitled "Inquirer's 25 for 25, The Philippine Daily Inquirer's 25h Anniversary Run" and since Multisport Philippines is the sponsor of my Tri Team (Philippine Diabetic Athletes), we supported this event.

I even promoted this run to some of the aNR Groups (adiNation of Runners) because I believe in the cause, for the benefit of the Inquirer Newsboy Foundation and the Children of the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre, and I called it "Visita aNR".

My Singlet and my Bib, I didn't wore the Singlet because I'll wear my Trisuit! ^_^

I just came from a tedious day in Tagaytay then went back to Manila the same night just to support the PDI Run. I haven't got a decent sleep since theres a lot of clutter in the house, we will be moving to a new home the next day, and I was so tired but despite the feeling I still managed to wake up early to prepare for my 10K race.

When I arrived at the venue, there are already some runners lurking around. I also saw some friends and familiar faces like Sir Edwin Soriano a.k.a. Bhoy Runner's Runner who was there to take photos of the event, the Team Kamote Runners and many more. Ofcourse, I saw my teammates wearing the same suit as I do. We plan to make a statement on this run.

From left: Sir Eric Bergara, Me, Carlo Chua and Sir Monching Romano

 

Yoga Stretching

At around 5:30AM, the relay race started and after around 10 minutes the 10K race which I was a part of started.

I had my camera with me all along. I was busy taking pictures of interesting things that I see, from different runners like Ms. Tessa Prieto-Valdez, to kids, to dogs, to my runner friends, to my teammates and even the hydration stations and marshalls.

Ms. Tessa Prieto-Valdez with her pacers

The route is good, not the usual 10K that I always do around BGC because we passed around the newly made road going to Gate 1 Kalayaan Avenue. The hydration stations are well placed, the kilometer marks are huge enough to see. Though the turns are quite confusing, I appreciate the Marshalls who were very energetic enough to guide us on where to go next. I also liked the presence of Bhoy's Runners Runner photographers who took pictures of me and the other runners while on the race. I even saw and greeted my good friend and my idol, Daves Espia a.k.a. Barefoot Daves while he was doing his LSD. I was so happy to see him, it added spirit in me.

After finishing my 10K, I was so surprised to even hit a new PR! 1 minute off my previous, and I was not even trying that hard, I was always stopping to take photos around the route. It made me happier!

The sports drink was available at a station beyond the finish line. I was able to get one bottle of cold water and one bottle of Powerade but its not cold. Oh well, at least I got one.

Loot bags contains a Multisport Magazine, some discount coupons, Yoga gym invites and a box of low fat margarine. I also got a granola bar at one of the booths.

I didn't went home immediately since I waited for the Team Kamote Runners relay race to finish. I was cheering for them along the way. I also watched the awarding ceremony and took a glimpse at the booths of K-Swiss and Mizuno with my good friend Dondie. I also visited Mercato Centrale and grabbed a bottle of my favorite Yogurt but this time, it's Raspberry for a change.

What can I say about this run? Well, overall it is a commendable event, and I really enjoyed it a lot.

After the race I read a write up about me published on inquirer.net by Ms. Fe Zamora, and afterwards an interview at Radyo Inquirer 990AM followed. The radio announcers admires my advocacy in running and asked me about how to start off with running. It was a very overwhelming experience! The write up can be found HERE.

Here are some pictures from my camera:

 

Sweet photo of me and Kuya KB Runner! ^_^

 Point and shoot courtesy of Mr. Jpeg Mendoza

 

  

From left: Chaley, Ruth Ann, Me, a runner friend and Sir Noah at the finish line!

with Sweet Dondie!

 

 The women winners!

 TKR's 5 Men Relay Team

Thank you very much to Ms. Ivy Ramos, the event coordinator. Ms. Doris Bermudez, the Operations Manager of Hinge Inquirer, Ms. Fe Zamora of inquirer.net for the nice write up. To the hosts at the Radyo Inquirer 990AM radio show, to Mr. Edwin Soriano and the Bhoy Runner's Runners photographers, and most especially, to Mr. Paul Vincent Bermudez, The President of Hinge Inquirer for always being very supportive of my cause.

Thanks also to all the runners who supported this event for a good cause.

Kudos to the Philippine Daily Inquirer Team and Happy 25th Anniversary! More Power!

Sweet Running and Good Vibes to Everyone! ^_^

Inquirer's 25 for 25, 25th Anniversary Run for a Cause

On Feb. 27 (Sun), The Philippine Daily Inquirer will have its 25th Anniversary Run at the Bonifacio Global City entitled 25 for 25, 25th Year Anniversary Run.

Choose from... 

3km (P400), 

5km (P500), 

10km (P600) distances 
or take part in the 
25km 5-Man Relay (5 people, any gender combination, running 5kms each - P2,500 for entire team).

Relay is open to first 100 teams only.

Race kit includes: singlet, race bib, route map, timing tag, Multisport magazine, and a discount voucher from Mizuno.

UPDATE: Here is the OFFICIAL MAP of the run...

 

3K Race Route 

10K Race Route

  5K and 5K 5-Man Relay Race Route

 

Cash prizes and exciting raffle prizes to be given away!

Proceeds will go to the Inquirer Newsboy Foundation, Children of the Victims of the Maguindanao Massacre, Gifts & Graces Foundation.

Register now at selected Inquirer Classifieds, Made for U, Yoga+, 360 Fitness Club and selected Mizuno outlets. Or register online at http://www.25for25.com.ph/ or email us at multisport@hip.ph for inquiries!

So what are you waiting for? Don't let this sweet event pass you by. REGISTER NOW!

My First Sweet 16K Run at the Skyway

The Condura Skyway Marathon... In the runner's community this event is much awaited and much talked about. Most of the runners are saving their first leap of distance or first marathon here. Why? It's because this event is the only one that offers the runners to run on the Skyway.

I've heard and read rave reviews about this event. Being organized by runners themselves, they really know how to cater the needs of their fellows. Though the registration fee is a bit costly, runners don't mind because they know they will get a quality service for what they have paid for, and the proceeds will go for the support of the dolphins, and indeed I agree.

I've been training for 2 months prior to this race. When my triathlon team had a meet last November, Sir Poch Bermudez, The President of Multisport Magazine told us that he will sponsor us in this event. Everyone was so excited. When we are about to chose a distance, I was to chose 10K, but they encouraged me to take 16K. Beggars cannot be chosers so yes, I took the challenge.

I made a training plan for myself so I could be ready in time for this event. I always see to it that I always stick to my schedule no matter what. Here is my training plan:

Tuesdays - Speed Training (about 5K-8K)
Thursdays - Circuit Training with my aNR BHS Family (5K+)
Sundays - LSD Run (16K-17K in 3 hours)

So after my final training run last Thursday, 9K around BHS, I feel I am now ready for my 16K race on Sunday. I rested well, eat decently and conditioned my mind on it. I prepared my Team PDA trisuit since I'm gonna wear it. It's our first time to wear it and it added excitement on this race. I even dreamed about Dolphins swimming on the Skyway. lol! ^_^

My Team PDA Trisuit ready for a test drive, I mean run on the Skyway!

Since 16K race will start at Ayala, I arrived there early on schedule so I could still have a warm up and meet up with my fellow runners.

When the race was about to start, I discovered that my camera is not powering up. Kennyson (My Sony wireless walkman) won't open as well. Gosh! this only means one thing, I won't be able to capture photos at the Skyway and I'll be running without music, which I've never experience with my runs of more than 30 minutes. I'm so pissed off, but I try not to get affected by it.

I was at Wave A so we are positioned in front, we will be the first ones to run in our category. When the clock countdown was finished we started to run!

It was 5:00AM, and it's still dark. I just did an easy slow jog at the first kilometers of the run. I am reserving my energy so I can still have more at the last kilometers.

When I saw the Buendia flyover I got excited. This is it! Skyway it is! I had a hard time running the uphill of the road but I pushed myself. I just visualized the McKinley hills that I always practice on. In no time, I'm already at the Skyway!

Being on the skyway by foot is indeed a different experience, very much different when you look at it when inside a vehicle, and without music, I can hear the sounds from the environment, from the chatting of the runners, foot landing on the pavement and even chirping birds! Running indeed is enjoyable, even without music on my ears.

The route was great! The hydration stations were available on both sides of the path and they have the longest table too! Bananas were available as well, I took one and ate it while running. Medic Stations, Ambulance are seen at different spots. The skyway was well lit, so runners didn't have a difficulty in seeing where we are running. Marshalls are everywhere and the race route is filled with kilometer marks in which you can track your distance on how far have you gone and I love the quote that is located at the bottom of it. It really does encourage the runners. The traffic marshalls also did a great job in controlling the vehicles. At the near end of the race, you can hear a drum and lyre band, a refreshing and festive tune indeed. Everything in this race are well organized, I couldn't ask for more!

I had frequent stops but it was really short compared to my stops before. I just relax my muscles a bit then run again. It really helped me to recover my speed so I didn't deprive myself. What is very touching is that while running, some runners will pace with me and will say "I saw the print at the back of your trisuit that you are Diabetic, you are an inspiration! keep running! you can do it!" All those inspiring words motivates me more. Some of them interview me about Diabetes and some recognized me because of my blog. I feel so happy that I am reaching people and inspire them even by just mere writings. It's what I was running for in the first place.

I brought a wristwatch with me so I am aware of my time. I already learned my lesson at the Greentennial run. I started the stopwatch the same time that the race clock finished the countdown. I reached 8K in less than an hour, 10K at around 1:18, compared to my 1:21 record for it, I did a PR!

I finished the race at 2:07, 23 minutes earlier than my target 2:30. I was impressed by my performance, and that three red roses given to me at the finishline gave me a different kind of happiness. Thanks much!

After the race we still find the strength to cheer for our marathoner friends. I was moved by the first timers, especially my Ate Lori & the Team Kamote Runners that despite the odds, they still managed to finish their 42K race and for that, kudos! ^_^

Here are some of the pictures from the event, sorry I haven't got a shot at the Skyway...

I love Team HOB!


Showing off the medals!


Photoshoot while cheering for the marathon finishers!


After the lunch date with the Team Kamote Runners. Love you guys! ^_^

The Skyway experience is indeed a very memorable one. I had the sweetest 16K race of my life. While looking at my medal, I don't see it as a reward for finishing the race, I see it as a memory of a wonderful experience, happy moments, great inspiration and wonderful bonding time with friends.

"Hitting your target PR is indeed a good feeling, but the greatest feeling of all is hitting your advocacy, no matter what reason you are running for..."

Thank you very much Sir Pat and Sir Ton Concepcion for giving us this experience to run at the Skyway and to all the organizers as well. To the Takbo.ph support group for the boost, the Team HOB, aNR BHS, ChiChem Runners and the Powerpuff Boys for the wonderful time cheering at the near of the finish line, the Team Kamote Runners for the great lunch date and ofcourse, to my Team PDA (Philippine Diabetic Athletes), especially to Sir Poch Bermudez for the inspiration, love and support all the way.

To all the finishers of the Condura Skyway Marathon, Congratulations and see you next year for another set foot at the Skyway!

Am I ready for my first Half Mary? Nope, not yet. I still need to prepare for that one as well. Will engage in a good, continuous practice and training. Who knows? Maybe I'll have it before the end of this year!

Good vibes and sweet running everyone! ^_^

How Sweet! Win a Free Race Kit for The Runrio Trilogy Leg 1

This is so exciting guys!

Our good friends from Unilab Active Health is generously giving away FREE RACE KIT for the Unilab Runrio Trilogy this coming March 6, 2011 at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig.

So, how can you win this one? It's sweetly simple!

Share with Unilab ActiveHealth your best “active health” photo. This can be your
best moment during a sports event, bonding time with your family/friends, etc.

* Upload your best “active health” photo in the wall of Unilab ActiveHealth FB page (http://www.facebook.com/unilabactivehealth) and explain why this is your best “active health” moment or simply CLICK HERE!
* Tag 5 friends who you think need to jumpstart their journey to active health.
* Invite your friends to like your entry.
* Don't forget to add at the comment area of your photo the name of my blog: The Sweet Life of a Diabetic Runner to qualify for the promo.
* Submission of photo entries will be from Feb. 3 to 10 only.

Photos will be judged based on the following criteria:
* Adherence to the theme of “Active Health:” 50%
* Fan favorite: 30%
* Unilab ActiveHealth Team favorite: 20%

The best “Active Health” entry will win one complimentary registration (any category, including 500-meter dash) to Run United 1 2011.

* The winner will be announced on Feb. 14, 2011. (What a sweet gift for Valentines Day! ^_^)
* Only one entry per person.

So what are you guys waiting for? Join now and run with us, for FREE!!! Best of luck!

Good vibes to everyone! Have a sweet day ahead! ^_^

Sweet & Easy as 1-2-3: Join the Unilab Runrio Trilogy

What is The Runrio Trilogy? In the running community, this event is much awaited and much talked about. According to my runner friends and some readings I did on my own, this event is a collaboration of Runrio and Unilab to promote the advocacy of running and for the health awareness campaign. A lot of runners are hyped up about this run because of the freebies and items they receive on the event booths and on the mail.

Last week, I received an email from Ms. Rochelle of Unilab. An invitation for a Blogger's Conference regarding The Runrio Trilogy. I went ballistic! I didn't expect that someone would actually invite me in this kind of events, and I am not even aware that there are events like this. Without second thoughts I hit reply and confirmed my participation. Yes, I will be attending on January 31st at Borough, The Podium! I even wrote it down on my planner so I won't forget. I can't miss this! ^_^

The day of the conference I came early on time. I was entertained well by Ms. Rochelle, together with the other people from Unilab. Ofcourse my attention won't miss my inspiration in running, Coach Rio Dela Cruz. I was so happy to see him. As time passes by the other Bloggers came in. Then I get to see and share a table with Ms. Noelle, The Kikay Runner. I also met Ms. Ning, and Mr. James, The Journeying James. Ofcourse, my "Supernatural" friend, Mr. Daves Espia, The Pseudo Barefoot Runner and finally I get to meet my first race sponsor, Ms. Vima Mendoza, The Kulit Runner.

I get to catch some photos from an iphone, credits to my Sister, Gaye for lending it to me. ^_^

The Unilab Active Health Peeps

Coach Rio and Sir Alex orienting us about the event

Coach Rio's slide presentation for the Runrio Trilogy Leg 1

After showing us a video of the previos Runrio Trilogy last year, Coach Rio explained to us all the details of the Leg 1 that will happen on March 6, 2011 (Sunday) at the Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City. I love the singlet because it has a slim side design, perfect for someone like me who has no curves! Full details about the event can be seen HERE.

We even get to experience the online registration. I registered from Coach Rio's iPad. So here's the step by step procedure for the Onsite Registration...

First, click link of the registration from the Runrio website or simply CLICK HERE!

Second, you'll see a screen that looks like this. Just pick the category that you like and when you click it, it will bring you automatically to the next page.


Third, you'll see a page that looks like this. Just fill out the information needed. After you enter your birthdate, a green bar will appear at the bottom of it saying your age. Damn! They already know how old I am! lol! ^_^


Fourth, a screen will prompt again for filling out of other contact information. I shaded my address for security reasons.


Fifth, you'll see the singlet size page. Just click the ticker of your desired size. Since Noelle chose Small, I go for Medium! I will fit on Medium! Positivity! lol! ^_^


Sixth, a page containing the waiver will appear. Just read the details and click the color green agree button on the lower right portion to proceed to the next step.


Seventh, you need to call the staff for this one since they'll be the one to assign your race bib number. Pay the fee and hit the assign button. The kit will be given to you and that's it! Congratulations! You're registered! ^_^

Note: For the offsite registration, there is an option to pay via credit card or pay at the registration booth. You will receive an email confirming your successful registration afterwards. Just bring the confirmation receipt when paying at the Registration booths.


You can click the link on the email to view the printable online receipt and you will see a page containing an image like this. Click print and go to the registration booth to pay and claim your race kit and you're done! ^_^


My idol, the Running Superstar, the Pretty and Sexy Kikay Runner Ms. Noelle De Guzman while registering on Rio's iPad. (You owe me one Noelle! lol! ^_^)


Sir James, also known as Journeying James, The Solo Backpacker interviewed by the Unilab peeps about his experience on the registration process.


The final leg of the 4 course menu they served.
Cookies with Milk! I just took one because it's not sugarfree...

That night was indeed a very memorable one for me. I never realized that my blog will be recognized by two of the biggest names in the Philippine running community. I would like to thank Ms. Rochelle del Callar, Ms. Vima Mendoza, Coach Rio Dela Cruz, the Runrio Team and the Unilab peeps for inviting me in this event and for making me a part of the promotion for the Unilab Runrio Trilogy Leg 1 of 2011.

Oh! and for the free race kit and giveways as well. Thanks! ^_^

I am hoping for the huge success of this event and may the cause of it materialize and prosper!

So guys, what are you waiting for? Registration is as sweet and easy as 1-2-3! Be a part of this much awaited big event in the running community... Run with us! JOIN NOW!

For more inquiries and information, please visit RUNRIO.COM

Good vibes to everyone! Sweet running! ^_^